Manassas Mayor Michele Davis Younger has called for Delegate Dan Helmer to drop his bid for the Democratic nomination for Virginia's 10th Congressional District following recent sexual assault allegations against him. The primary election is scheduled for June 18.

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Senator Rand Paul (R), a prominent figure in conservative politics, traveled from his home state of Kentucky to endorse Cameron Hamilton, a Republican, for his party's nomination to replace outgoing Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D).

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(WUSA-TV) Reaction to former President Donald Trump’s conviction has been mixed yet strong in Stafford County, where in 2016, voters favored him more.

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By Morgan Sweeney

(The Center Square) — The jury announced its verdict in former President Donald Trump’s New York hush money trial Thursday evening, and social media was set ablaze.

Trump was found guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records that could have been harmful to his 2016 presidential campaign.

Many of the commonwealth’s prominent government officials and elected representatives took to X, formerly Twitter, joining the chorus of voices weighing in on the verdict.

Most Republicans expressed distrust of the trial and its outcome, including Attorney General Jason Miyares.

Miyares blasted the trial as an illegitimate attempt at eliminating a powerful political opponent, reminding spectators of the case’s beginnings – when formidable American institutions declined to bring charges against Trump.

“In America, we don’t seek to jail political opponents – we seek to defeat them at the ballot box,” Miyares wrote. “To be clear, the FEC declined to prosecute this case. The US Attorneys Office declined to prosecute this case.”

He went on to take shots at Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, lead attorney for the prosecution.

“This case was moved forward by a far-left prosecutor who regularly refuses to prosecute violent criminals but chose to move forward because the defendant was named Donald Trump.”

Despite his criticisms, Miyares still conveyed faith in the American justice system and the possibility of another outcome.

“America has the greatest justice system in the world – and that is partly because it has a robust appeals process. There is broad consensus that this case is riddled with potential reversible errors and should be appealed in an expedited manner and resolved as quickly as possible,” Miyares said.

Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears echoed Miyares’ sentiments while questioning why Hillary Clinton and President Joe Biden haven’t been subject to similar legal battles.

“We know that the case was brought by a man bent on destroying another. This was not about justice – this was a mockery of justice,” Sears wrote.

“Where was the case against Hilary for ‘wiping’ her server? Where is the case against Pres Biden to determine his involvement in Hunter Biden’s business dealing with China and Russia?”

But Sears ultimately took the same hopeful note that Miyares did, turning to the appeals process.

“So the president will appeal and we will pray that righteousness and justice will prevail,” Sears said.

Though Gov. Glenn Youngkin did not comment on X by the time of publication, the Democratic candidate for governor for 2025, Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7, did.

“We are a country of laws. Today, our justice system held someone accountable for his crimes,” Spanberger said, challenging her peers to trust the legal process and accept the verdict.

“In the wake of this verdict, responsible lawmakers must lead by example and not deny the truth or stoke anger. We must demonstrate principled leadership and uphold the rule of law,” she wrote.

Rep. Don Beyer, D-8, delivered a slightly more measured response.

“It is tragic that an American president has been convicted of crimes, but Donald Trump is responsible for his own actions. If a jury finds those actions were criminal after due process in a court of law, he must be held accountable. In the United States no one is above the law,” Beyer wrote.

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are tied at 42% each in a head-to-head matchup in Virginia. According to a Roanoke College Poll, Biden holds a slight lead (40%-38%) when other candidates are included. The survey of 711 likely voters conducted by the Institute for Policy and Opinion Research between May 12 and May 21, 2024, shows that the economy is the top issue for 44% of respondents, followed by immigration (14%) and abortion (13%).

The latest poll shows Virginia voters could choose Trump, a state Biden won by 10 points in 2020. The tide has been turning for Trump in Virginia, as he won the state’s March 5 Republican Presidential Primary by nearly 30 points, a victory that many would go to then-challenger Nikki Hayley, the former South Carolina governor.

Locally, Haley won over Republican voters in deep blue Northern Virignia. However, for the first time since Trump began running for president in 2015, Trump posted a win in traditionally-blue Prince William County.

More from Roanoke College:

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are tied (42%-42%) in a head-to-head matchup in Virginia, while Biden holds a two-point lead (40%-38%) when other candidates are included, according to the Roanoke College Poll. The Institute for Policy and Opinion Research (IPOR) at Roanoke College interviewed 711 likely voters in Virginia between May 12 and May 21, 2024. The survey has a weighted margin of error of 4.24%.

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It’s obvious where Democratic U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine stands on abortion access. And that’s not just for the fact that his party has been outspoken in support of access and other reproductive rights. Kaine has also co-sponsored the bipartisan Reproductive Freedom For All Act — an attempt to codify abortion protections into federal law.

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Virginia State Police reported a collision on Interstate 95 late on May 8, 2024, involving Maria Martin, a candidate for U.S. Congress in the 7th District.

According to Virginia State Police, the incident occurred at 11:40 p.m. on Interstate 95 in Prince William County near exit 150, Quantico. Martin’s Ford F-150 drifted into the right lane and collided with a tractor-trailer. Martin was not injured.

She described the event as “very shocking” and recounted feeling “completely out of control” as her vehicle bounced multiple times.

Martin was returning to her home in Triangle after a day of using her pickup to erect campaign signs in the western areas of Virginia’s 7th Congressional District in Culepper and Greene counties. The sprawling district includes eastern Prince William County, Stafford and Spotsylvania counties, and Fredericksburg. Martin also highlighted the diversity within the 7th District. “The 7th Distirct has two types of people,” she said, noting the contrast between the densely populated northeastern side and the agricultural lands in the west.

Martin’s vehicle sustained damage in the collision, and police cited her for making an unsafe lane change. The truck that hit her did not stop.

Authorities are still investigating the incident. Martin said she remains determined in her campaign for Congress and continues to advocate for the interests of the district’s residents. However, as her truck is undrivable, she might need the help of a volunteer with a pickup. Martin is one of eight Republicans running in a June 8 Primary Election seeking the 7th District seat.

The race is expected to be one of the most expansive this year, and the winner will replace Rep. Abigail Spanberger who opted to step down from the seat to run for Virginia Governor in 2025.

Martin has been a consistent candidate in multiple elections since 2019. Last year, the Prince William County Circuit Court tossed out Martin’s request for a recount after she lost a Republican Primary Election to Nicky Rattray Baldwin in a bid for a Virignia State Senate seat.

Longtime Manassas business owner Xiao Yin (pronounced Shee-ow Yin) “Tang” Byrom has announced her candidacy for the Republican ticket for Mayor of Manassas. She will challenge incumbent Michelle Davis-Younger, the Democratic Party nominee.

Highlighting her priorities, Yin emphasized two key initiatives aimed at addressing the pressing needs of Manassas residents. First, she stressed the importance of tackling turnover in key roles within the city.

“Our city is currently suffering with turnover in key roles,” Byrom stated, expressing her determination to bring in the best talent to fill these positions and enhance the city’s management. Manassas uses a council-manager government model that provides for the city manager to handle all day to day operations, with the city council having more of a legislative role.

The city has faced an upheaval in its leadership. Notably, former City Manager Patrick Pate left to serve in a similar role in Winston-Salem, N.C., while Assistant City Manager Bryan Foster announced his departure at the end of 2023. Today, former police chief Douglas Keen is the Acting City Manager, creating a leadership shift in the police department as well.

The city also lost its long-time Utilities Director, Tony Dawood, replacing him in February with Tarek Aly. Ana Davis, a former billing coordinator, is currently acting as director for the Water and Sewer Department. Byrom highlighted the urgent need for education reform, acknowledging the challenges faced by the school system. “Our schools are failing our kids and community,” she remarked, emphasizing the need for a new approach to forge a stronger relationship between the School Board, City Council, and students’ needs.

In recent months, parents have been ringing alarm bells as Metz Middle School has shown signs of deep decline. All the while, the school board members have dug in their heels to keep a grading system, introduced during the pandemic, that makes it easier for students to pass and graduate.

Byrom, the owner of Tang’s Bridal and Alterations in the Canterbury Village shopping center, at 8675 Sudley Road, opened her Manassas store as an alteration shop in 1999. She eventually expanded her business to include bridal and formal wear. Her business currently employs 17 in the city.

Elected in 2020, Mayor Michelle Davis Younger has served one term on the council.

There are three open seats on the city council for the Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 Election, in addition to the mayoral seat.

City Council seats

Robyn Williams, who is nearing the end of her second four-year term on the Manassas City School Board, will run as a Republican. Williams holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from George Mason University and has found her background in Finance and Economics valuable on the MCPS School Board, in addition to her more than 10 years as Broker/Owner of Redstone Realty, specializing in residential real estate.

Williams’ public service in Manassas began with the Beautification Committee, serving as a member and eventually Chairperson. She volunteered as a teacher assistant at Haydon Elementary for several years and taught modules in schools through the Prince William Soil and Water Conservation Department.

She continues to serve the community as a member of the Rotary Club of Manassas.

Lynn Forkell Green, a Republican, is seeking to regain a seat on the council, where she served for 14 months, from Fall 2021 to December 2022. Forkell Green served the remainder of Davis-Younger’s city council term, a seat vacated when Davis-Younger was elected mayor.

Lynn Forkell Greene is running for re-election to the Manassas City Council for her first full four-year term. Forkell Greene won a special election in 2021 and served for 14 months, diligently fulfilling her campaign promises. Notably, Forkell Greene successfully advocated for a reduction in the personal property tax burden for all residents in 2022, demonstrating her commitment to fiscal responsibility.

Forkell Greene stood as an ally of the Greater Manassas Baseball League (GMBL) when the city inked a deal to sell a portion of its fields to the city’s largest employer, computer chip maker Micron, so it could expand its facility.

She’s also served as vice-chair of the Parks, Culture, and Recreation committee, and in a leadership role in Keep Manassas Beautiful, where she increased the number of volunteers before assuming the position of Chair.

Professionally, Forkell Greene currently serves as an Administrative Director for a nonprofit organization. Forkell Greene and her husband share four adult children and three grandchildren. Forkell Green has served as a freelancer for Potomac Local News since leaving the city council and will discontinue the role during her campaign.

Stephen Kent, a Republican, and Manassas resident since 2020 and candidate for Manassas City Council, has deep roots in the community. Kent holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from UNC-Greensboro and has forged a career spanning public relations, broadcasting, advocacy, and political writing for a national audience. Notably, he authored the 2021 book “How The Force Can Fix The World” for Hachette, exploring the cultural legacy of Star Wars since 1977 and proposing how shared popular culture can mend political polarization.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Kent is deeply involved in community service. He serves as a dedicated Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scouts of America Troop 671G in Nokesville, VA, the most active all-girl BSA troop in Northern Virginia. Here, he imparts valuable skills to scouts, including communication, journalism, public speaking, backpacking, and rock climbing.

In his bid for Manassas City Council, Kent’s priorities include addressing affordability, enhancing mobility, and preserving the natural beauty and green spaces of Manassas. With his extensive community involvement and diverse background, Kent aims to bring a fresh perspective to local governance.

Kent, along with his wife Melony, who ran for Manassas School Board in 2022, and their daughter Sylvie, made the decision to settle in Manassas after relocating from North Carolina.

Because five candidates have successfully filed to be the Democratic nominee for the three Manassas City Council seats up for election this year, the voters will select the three nominees in the June 18 Democratic primary. The five candidates seeking that nomination are incumbents Tom Osina and Mark Wolfe and first-time candidates Ashley Hutson, Anthony McGhee, and Samantha Tungul.

Early voting for the June 18 primary began on Friday, May 3.

Alan Gloss is a freelance reporter for Potomac Local News. If you’re not getting our FREE email newsletter, you are missing out. Subscribe Now!

In a recent political survey conducted by John Zogby Strategies, the competition between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump appears to be heating up in Virginia, with Trump holding a narrow lead.

The poll, conducted from April 13 to April 21, 2024, involved 23,683 likely voters across the U.S., 586 of whom were from Virginia.

In Virignia, the results show Trump slightly ahead of Biden, capturing 45.4% of the vote compared to Biden’s 44.9%. The margin of error for the Virginia subset is higher than the overall survey’s ±0.6%, emphasizing the close nature of the contest and the potential for shifts as the campaign progresses.

In terms of party alignment in Virginia:

• 35% identified as Democrats
• 33% identified as Republicans
• 31% identified as Independents

Voter sentiments in Virginia also show varied opinions on candidate favorability. 45% of respondents viewed Biden very unfavorably and somewhat favorably 21.9%, reflecting a polarized perception among voters. Conversely, 48.4% viewed Trump very unfavorably but also received a high very favorable rating from 24.2% of those surveyed, indicating similarly strong sentiments on both sides.

“The main thing to gather from this survey is that Virginia remains a far more purple state than many national political observers seem to think. The fact that this poll is well within the margin of error demonstrates that both political parties would be wise to focus on Virginia in 2024, as they did in several previous election cycles – but not in 2020,” said Professor of Political Science and International Affairs & Director, Center for Leadership and Media Studies Dr. Stephen J. Farnsworth.

“The big challenge for both campaigns is the high level of voter negativity regarding the candidates selected by the two major parties. Rather than focus on trying to win over the small number of voters who are not committed to one major party or the other, I expect both campaigns will try to focus on making their case by describing how awful it would be for the country if the other side were to win the White House,” added Farnsworth. “They will focus on getting people who would vote for their side if they showed up to vote fearful enough of the other side to cast a ballot. This strategy will also discourage voting for a third-party candidate, as walking away one’s less disliked major party may mean that the more disliked major party ends up winning the election.”

Similar to its predecessor four years ago, the 2024 Presidential Election has been characterized by a race to the bottom, with mud-slinging and negative campaigning taking center stage.

“The difference this year is that voters have had the opportunity to realize and experience the personal impact of the two candidate’s respective policies. While both campaigns may have the opportunity to capitalize on the negatives of the opposing candidate, only the Trump campaign has the ability to link those negatives on President Biden to the cost of living and public safety issues that will decide this election,” said Cameron Hamilton, a Republican seeking to Replace Rep. Abigail Spanberger in Virginia’s 7th District (eastern Prince William, Stafford, Spotsylvania counties, and Fredericksburg).

Hamilton is one of eight Republicans and nine Democrats who have filed to run in a June 18 Primary Election. The 7th District and neighboring 10th District races in western Prince William and Loudoun counties will be some of the most expensive in the nation this fall, and they will likely drive Virginia voters to the polls more than the Presidential candidates.

“Both President Trump and President Biden are lightning rods that motivate their opposition and inspire their respective base of voters. For this reason, I think we will see lower engagement and enthusiasm but a similar turnout as in past elections. I think this also opens the door for our down-ballot races for Senate and Congress to play a big part in motivating voters and getting them engaged when they otherwise may be inclined to sit this political season out,” said Prince William County Republican Committee Chairman Jacob Alderman.

Eugene Vindman, a Democrat who spoke against President Trump at his first impeachment, has raised nearly $4 million in the 7th District primary race, a phenomenal haul for a local race. Most of the cash is from donors in California and New York.

Derrick Anderson has raised the most money among the Republican candidates for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, with a total of $888,595.